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A landscaped backyard features a rectangular swimming pool with two people swimming, lounge chairs, potted plants, and a wooden fence in the background.

Pool Landscaping Ideas On A Budget

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Simple pool landscaping ideas can instantly transform your pool in almost any way you desire. And even better, it can fit into any budget. You’ve probably considered doing some landscaping for your pool area. And it’s almost a given that you’ve got some great ideas. But that desire often falls prey to concerns over cost and effort. But you’re about to see some of the best options to turn that dream into a reality without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways

Landscaping any backyard will add costs to your pool project but not all options need to be expensive. Some creative pool landscaping ideas on a budget are:

  • Choosing certain plants
  • Rock walls
  • Low maintenance rock gardens
  • Complete the project in stages
  • Use durable composite materials
  • Living fences
  • Lighting to highlight what you already have

Plants

Take a moment to think about the sheer beauty found in ponds, rivers, and waterfalls. The water obviously plays a part in making those areas so breathtaking. But their full appeal comes from the fact that beautiful plant life acts as a frame around the water. And you can achieve the same effect for your pool by incorporating plants.

You’ll need to think about what you want to gain from the plants. For example, you might want to use shrubbery or similar concepts to create both beauty and natural privacy around your pool. Or you might want to concentrate on creating a beautiful cascade of colors from different flowering plants. You could even use plants to create walkways around your pool area.

residential pool surrounded by flowers
There are plenty of plants you can use around your pool that are not expensive and you can cover a lot of ground very cheaply

Create a Rock Wall

As you saw with plants, you can achieve some amazing results by melding elements from natural bodies of water in with your pool. In addition to greenery, rocks and pools go well together for the same reasons. Look at images of gorgeous waterfalls and you’ll see just how important stone is to that effect. You’ll find water rushing down rockfaces. And the bottom of the waterfall will be filled with smoothed, beautiful, rocks. You can get a similar effect for your own pool. One of the first steps people often take to incorporate stone is to set up a rock wall. This can create privacy and act as a fence. But it can also act as a support structure. And of course, it adds that perfect touch of natural beauty.

wheelbarrow with orange slate stones with wall in background
Depending on the choice of rock, you can add a beautiful looking rock wall to your backyard for relatively cheap

Rock Garden

Rock gardens are another great, and inexpensive, way to leverage the natural beauty of stone. Most rocks won’t cost much to acquire. And better yet, you don’t need to put much money or time into maintaining them either. Simple rain is usually enough to take care of any stray dirt or other buildups that might show up over time. All you need to do is plan for how to utilize the rocks in an aesthetically pleasing way. If you don’t mind a little extra work, a rock garden can also act as a perfect framing device for plants. The natural beauty of a pool, rock garden, and standard garden will all complement each other perfectly to create something greater than the sum of its parts. And all come at a reasonable price.

backyard rock garden
Rock gardens not only look good but they are also low maintenance so are a popular choice for many pool surroundings

Build Deck in Stages

Pool decks are an undeniably great addition to any pool area. Unfortunately, they can also be quite costly. But there are ways around that financial hurdle. One of the most important first steps for any large project is to simply look into ways to finance a pool. There are a number of ways to widen the scope of your budget to meet your needs. And this can also be applied to the idea of how you build a deck. You don’t need to do everything at once.

Building a deck in stages can help you spread out the costs. For example, the basic elements of a deck are the foundation and decking. Once those elements are in place you can make use of them. Later on, over time, you can add additional elements as needed.

pool with deck terrace and sunbathing chair
Decks are an expensive part of any pool build, you can reduce the initial pool project cost by building out you deck in stages

Use Composite Materials

Using composite materials might seem like an odd proposition at first given that it’s typically more expensive than standard wood. But the key factor is looking at long-term rather than short-term costs. Composite materials cost more at first. But it’s also highly resistant to rotting, damage from wildlife, and even splintering or wear and tear. When comparing composite materials to lumber it’s best to think about the total cost over a lifetime of use. And composite materials often become far less expensive when considered in that context. Especially if you’re building a deck in stages like we previously mentioned.

worker installing wood plastic composite decking boards
Composite decking will have a higher upfront cost than traditional decking but will last longer and be cheaper in the long-term

Natural Fence

Decorative fencing is undeniably impressive, but it can also cost an equally impressive amount of money. But as you’ve seen a few times in this list already there are some great pool fence options that are beautiful, cost-effective, and functional. One of the best ways to implement a fence that’s both inexpensive and beautiful is to go with natural fencing. Hedges and stone are the most common options. And each is evocative of the natural beauty you’d find in woodland lakes or waterfalls.

backyard pool at night surrounded by a hedge and trees
Having trees and hedges form your boundaries creates a low maintenance solution that not only looks great but is also cheap

Lighting

There’s no question that a moonlit night can add a unique element to any landscape. The image of a full moon reflected on a still lake is an iconic image of nature’s beauty. But think about what the cost of that natural beauty is. It just comes down to the night, light, and water. And the only thing your own pool is missing from that scene is landscaping lights. You can use lighting to create some truly beautiful effects at hardly any cost at all. Lights aren’t just about the pool itself either. You can use lighting to illuminate or even create walkways. They can be used to set the mood on your deck. And you can easily adapt your lighting to fit any need without much extra cost or time to set things up.

small solar garden lanterns in flower bed
Lighting can dramatically improve an area when done correctly, the colors and shadows created by the light on the plants can have a striking result

Landscaping, Planning, and the Future of Your Pool

Now that you’ve seen some of the best budget-friendly landscaping ideas there’s only one more step remaining. You should think about how you can use all of these ideas as a canvas to create the perfect pool area for your own tastes. Mix ideas, match them with your own creative flourishes, and start making the pool of your dreams a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are affordable pool landscaping ideas?

You can use gravel, mulch, or ground cover plants like creeping thyme. Recycled or DIY materials, such as pallet furniture, also reduce costs while enhancing aesthetics.

What low-maintenance plants work for pool areas?

Succulents, lavender, and ornamental grasses are great choices. These plants are drought-tolerant and thrive in warm poolside environments with little upkeep.

How can I create privacy around my pool on a budget?

Consider using bamboo screens, tall hedges like arborvitae, or even affordable lattice panels with climbing plants to create natural, cost-effective privacy barriers.

How can I incorporate lighting without breaking the bank?

Solar-powered lights are a budget-friendly option. String lights or LED lanterns can also create a cozy atmosphere around the pool without expensive electrical installation.

What are budget-friendly decking alternatives for pool areas?

Gravel, stamped concrete, or recycled wood pallets offer stylish yet affordable options. Outdoor rugs can also provide comfort while adding a decorative touch.

Disclaimer:
This blog is based on information available at the time of publishing and for the purpose of sharing information with the public related to swimming pools and projects that can be financed through Viking Capital. Although we strive to be complete and accurate, it is not information that is verified or maintained. It should not be relied upon for making financial decisions. An investment such as a swimming pool is significant. Viking Capital recommends consulting with a financial professional regarding your financing decisions and with pool professionals regarding pool options. To learn what financing options are available for you today, please apply with Viking Capital and you’ll receive your free loan consultation. Click Here to Apply.

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Outdoor patio with a wooden pergola, wicker chairs, a stone bench with a fire feature, and a dining table. A grill is in the background, and a pool is partially visible.
A backyard with a swimming pool, patio furniture under a red canopy, and a two-story house in the background, during dusk.
A rectangular swimming pool beside a stone wall, with a wooden pergola and lounge chairs on one side and a grassy area with palm trees on the other.
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